Small Town Slasher is a fast-paced, gory, twisty, and nostalgic love letter to classic slasher films such as my favorite, Scream. Stephanie Rose crafts a terrifying tale with heart and a unique protagonist in their latest release from Death by TBR Books.
Jenna is a spunky, disabled, horror fanatic who comes to rural Montana for a stay at a horror themed rental cabin. Jenna has struggled with severe anxiety for years, hardly ever leaving her house. This vacation will test her limits and, she hopes, open her back up to the world. But her dream vacation is built on a nightmare.
25 years ago the Bitter Butcher massacred 11 people in the small town of Marion, culminating his slaughter on the land where Jenna’s vacation cabin now sits. Her arrival coincides with the beginning of a new massacre as a body is discovered outside town, the morning before her arrival. It quickly becomes clear that this is no isolated incident, as new killings occur, each with their own connection to the original massacre.
Jenna starts seeing slashers around every corner and must team up with locals Erica and Jamie. Together they will struggle to survive this killing spree while unearthing secrets connecting the town’s shameful history to the slashers, past and present.
Stephanie Rose brings to life a slasher tale with 1990s VHS horror vibes. Small Town Slasher gives off real authentic slasher energy with creative kills and a creepy atmosphere. Rose clearly has an affection for the horror genre as the book seems to be filled with winks and nods to classic horror stories that I appreciated, but without going to far as to be gimmicky.
One of the main aspects that sets Small Town Slasher apart from other horror and slasher stories is the main character. Jenna Willcot, who is a disabled horror fan, has a real fresh and layered feeling to her. A truly unique take on the final girl trope and adding a level to the story that one would not normally expect. This allows us to have a new perspective while keeping things within the genre and written passionately.
While some may guess some of the twists and turns prior to getting to the point, others will find it more difficult. This is not uncommon in the world of slashers, but does not take away from the story. Also, a few background characters blur together or serve little purpose beyond body count. But these are minor gripes as Small Town Slasher was so much fun to read.
Stephanie Rose delivers both bloody kills and heartfelt moments, while balancing the brutality with an unexpected protagonist. Small Town Slasher has plenty of guys and gore, plus a modern twist on familiar slasher tropes. What Rose brings to the table is something a bit different while also paying homage to slasher lore.
Small Town Slasher is available at bookstores everywhere from Death by TBR Books.
